The 2023 KIA Forte

Crowned as the "Most Dependable Compact Car" by J.D. Power, the 2023 Kia Forte delivers impressive performance, frugal mileage, compact practicality, and exhilarating sportiness in higher trims. In this article, we will break down each 2023 Forte trim, so that you can find the perfect Forte for your daily needs.

2023 Kia Forte LX

Starting at $19,690, the base Kia Forte LX comes packed with standard and available features. For performance, the Forte LX is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is impressive, at 30/41 mpg. Exterior Features include:

• 15-inch Steel Wheels
• Automatic Headlights
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Power Side Mirrors
• LED Door Handle Lighting
• Rear Defroster

Standard interior and convenience features include:

• Power Windows
• Power Door Locks
• Manual Front Seats w/ Adjustable Height
• Rear Bench Seat
• Woven Cloth Upholstery
• One-Touch Driver's Window
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
• 8-inch touchscreen
• 4.2-inch Information Display
• One USB Port + Two 12-Volt Outlets
• Bluetooth

For Driver Assist and Safety Features, the Kia Forte offers:

• Drive Mode Select (Normal, Sport, Comfort)
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Occupant Alert w/ Ultrasonic Sensors
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Rear-View Monitor w/Dynamic Parking Guidance
• Cruise Control

2023 Kia Forte LXS

Starting at $20,190, the 2023 Kia Forte LXS is the second-tier trim of the Forte. The LXS is just like the LX but with some minor changes and the inclusion of a Technology Package. Differences from the LX include:

• 16-inch Alloy Wheels
• 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat
• Soft-Touch Door Trim
• Soft-Touch Dash Trim

The only other difference between the LXS and LX is the available Technology Package (+$500) that adds:

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Safe Exit Warning
• Heated Side View Mirrors w/ LED Turn Signals

2023 Kia Forte GT-Line

The Forte GT-Line is the sportier of the previous trims, and starts at $21,890. The 2023 Kia Forte GT adds various features to the previous LXS with the Technology Package. Exterior changes and upgrades include:

• Sport Grille
• Extended Side Sills
• Gloss Black Styling
• 17-inch Alloy Wheels
• Rear Spoiler
• Heated Side mirrors w/ LED Turn Signals
• Smart Trunk Keyless Entry
• LED Fog Lights
• Daytime Running Lights
• Daytime Taillights

Interior and Convenience features include:

• 10.25-inch Touchscreen
• Android Auto + Apple CarPlay
• Navigation w/ Voice Recognition
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Alloy Pedals
• Syntex Upholstery
• Cloth Upholstery
• Rear Folding Armrest w/ Cup Holders
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Remote Start
• Push Button Start
• Smart Key Keyless Entry

The 2023 Kia Forte GT-Line also offers three different packages:

• GT-Line Technology Package +$300
  • Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto-Hold
  • Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Cyclist Detection
  • Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop and Go
• GT-Line Premium Package +$1,700
  • Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto-Hold
  • Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Cyclist Detection
  • Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go
  • Sunroof
  • LED Interior Lighting
  • Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, 8 Speakers
  • Wireless Phone Charger
• GT-Line Sport Premium Package +$1,000
  • 10-Way Power Driver's Seat w/ Power Lumbar Support
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Rear A/C Vent
  • Rear USB Charging Port
  • Black SynTex Seat Trim w/ Gray Stitching

2023 Forte GT

Starting at $24,390, the GT is where the real difference between the trims begin to show.  A completely different engine sits under the hood of the GT. A 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a 7-Speed DCT Paddle Shifter, delivers an exhilarating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Fuel Economy is still frugal at 27/35 mpg. Regarding exterior changes and upgrades, the 2023 Kia Forte GT adds:

• LED Headlights w/ Automatic High Beam
• 18-Inch Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
• Spare Tire
• Sport Tuned Multi-link Rear Suspension
• Sport-Tuned Dual Exhaust

For Interior and Convenience features, the 2023 Kia Forte GT includes:

• Wireless Charing Pad
• Front and Rear USB Charge Ports
• Rear Air Vents
• GT Exclusive Ambient Lighting
• Dual Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors

Regarding Packages, the 2023 Kia Forte offers:

• GT2 Package +$1,900
  • 10-Way Power Driver's Seat w/ Power Lumbar Support
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • LED Interior Lighting
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Sunroof
  • Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, 8 Speakers
  • Sports Seats w/Syntex Seat Trim and Red Stitching

2023 Forte GT Manual

If you're an automotive enthusiast, the 2023 Forte GT Manual was specifically designed with you in mind. Replacing the paddle shifters of the GT, the GT Manual adds a 6-speed manual transmission. The GT however, also gets rid of several options that were available in previous trims, such as Drive Mode Select, Remote Start, and GT Exclusive Ambient Lighting. The GT includes:

• Power Sunroof
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Summer Tires
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, 8 Speakers
• Rear Parking Sensors
• LED Interior Lighting
• Heated Front Sports Seats w/ Manual Adjustment

Other than these changes, the GT Manual is exactly the same as the regular 2023 GT. The 2023 Forte GT Manual starts at $25,090.

Personal Thoughts

All of the trims of the KIA Forte are reasonably priced, well below the competition. If I was in the market for a simple "A to B" commuter, I'd go with the 2023 Kia Forte LXS with the LXS Technology package. Only $500 more than the base LX, the available Technology Package comes packed with useful driver assist and safety tech. Yes, you sacrifice power, but fuel economy and practicality is unmatched in this compact sedan category. However, if Sportiness and Performance are tempting, I'd definitely go with the GT or GT Manual (depending on if you enjoy driving stick). The 200 hp, combined with the Forte's light weight results in an exhilarating ride, comparable to the Golf GTI or Civic SI. With a 6.7 second 0-60 time, the 2023 Kia Forte GT adds a ton of fun for it's price. We have plenty of 2023 Kia Forte in stock at our Safford Brown Kia Manassas location! Come in and take a look today.